The Royal Geographical Society with IBG is the learned society & professional body for geography & geographers. Founded in 1830, they are a world centre for geography: supporting research, education, expeditions and fieldwork, and promoting public engagement and informed enjoyment of our world.

The Punjab the cradle of a great civilisation. The nexus of the Silk Road. A divided land riven with conflict for centuries. The preconceptions of the Punjab are also as varied as the extraordinary mix of peoples who have made this region their home. Now, the Royal Geographical Society with IBG is exhibiting The Punjab: Moving Journeys to reveal the little-seen history of the region using the unique perspective provided by the Society’s Collections.

The last of the exhibitions in the Society’s Crossing Continents series, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and developed in partnership with the UK Punjab Heritage Association, the Muslim Women’s Welfare Association (Illford) and the Cartwright Hall Young Ambassadors (Bradford) and the Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail, The Punjab: Moving Journeys links London and Bradford to the borders of India and Pakistan.

Officers of the Gilgit mission. 1866

Through the Society’s 19th century photographs, maps and texts the Punjab’s history is being rediscovered and retold by members of Britain’s Punjabi community, focusing on migrations, within and across borders, from the earliest history of the region, through Partition and into the 21st Century.

Combining contemporary commentary from British Punjabis with Victorian photography with accounts from British visitors and colonial administrators who visited the Punjab during the 19th century, Moving Journeys uncovers this region’s complex history alongside the challenges facing Punjabis in 21st century Britain, including how they relate to their British adoptive home and an Indian / Pakistani homeland.

Talk: Ancient Traditions in a Modern World–The Spiritual Warriors of the Punjab17 September, 6.30-8.00pm

Photographer Nick Fleming provides a unique insight into the lives of the semi-nomadic and reclusive Nihang Singhs. Unparalleled access overseveral months provides a fascinating account of their daily lives and rituals. Organised in partnership with the Anglo Sikh Heritage Trail.

Talk: Exploring the Society’s collections8 October, 6.30-8.00pmJoin Irna Qureshi and Parminder Chada to hear about their research into the Society’s collections.

Also showing:

Artworks by Rashid Rana and Sophie Ernst will be on display in October and November as part of Green Cardamom’s Lines of Control project looking the visual culture of partition.

Selected one-minute short films from arts organisation Motiroti’s 60×60 secs -Britain India Pakistan, will be showing from 9 September–3 October and and artwork by Sophie Ernst as part of Green Cardamom’s Lines of Control project will be on display.

The Exhibition and contact details

Open from Tuesday 9 September 2008 until 27th November 2008.Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm

Admission is free.

For enquiries or to book call + 44 (0) 20 7591 3057 or email crossingcontinents@rgs.org Royal Geographical Society with IBG1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR

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